While it may have disappeared from the front page of the newspaper, the demand for supplies to assist survivors of the devastating magnitude-7.9 earthquake in Peru remains high.
Pacific Beach resident Joseph R. Harmes III is helping coordinate a local relief drive to help the victims of the devastating Aug. 15 quake.
“I was in Peru recently (before the earthquake) and in the area where there was the most damage,” Harmes said.
“As is usually the case in these natural disasters, the poorest people are hit the hardest,” he said.
With reports ranging from 300 to 400 people dead, many still missing and thousands homeless, just about every basic necessity is needed.
“This might seem surprising, but one of the best items to donate are first-aid kits,” Harmes said.
“The challenge is when a person is number 500 in a line for a help from a clinic and only needs some Band-Aids and alcohol swabs, they still have to wait a long time. Being able to distribute first-aid kits helps that process,” Harmes added.
In order to help ensure the donated items reach the intended people, Harmes has established a connection with an orphanage in Peru.
“We are filling up shipping crates as quickly as possible and then sending them right away,” he said. “Once they arrive in Peru, the staff [at] the orphanage take the donations and provides them to the people in need.”
Besides helping survivors with clothing, first-aid kits and related supplies, a crucial part of the recovery process concerns rebuilding.
“Shovels and really any digging tool are also great donations,” Harmes stated. “We also need tents, blankets and camping equipment.”
According to Harmes, his mother, Gladys Jones-Morrison, is Peruvian. In addition to her involvement with the House of Peru, Gladys is also the founder and chairman of the Peruvian Chamber of Commerce and the Honorary Consul of Peru in San Diego.
He noted there are probably more than 5,000 Peruvians living in the San Diego area.
To become involved as a volunteer or to find out how to donate and what more is needed, Harmes urges everyone to visit the website www.houseofperu.org.
International Relief Teams (IRT) is also providing emergency aid to quake victims.
Founded in San Diego almost 20 years ago, the humanitarian group sends doctors, nurses and volunteers to natural and man-made disasters both at home and overseas.
Donations can be made online by visiting www.irteams.org.